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John Calipari responds to fan criticism of 'tempering expectations' following South Carolina loss

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh01/11/23griffin_mcveigh
South Carolina v Kentucky
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - JANUARY 10: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts after a play during the first half in the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Rupp Arena on January 10, 2023 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Just when you thought things could not get worse for Kentucky, games continued to be play. Just a few days after getting blown out by Alabama on the road, John Calipari saw his team lose at home to South Carolina. A historic loss for the Wildcats, fans are getting frustrated with how this season is going.

Frustrated enough to where they are staying after the final buzzer to make comments in the direction of Calipari. While doing a radio interview, a fan shouted over toward the head coach and told him to tamper expectations of the team.

Calipari decided to push back, saying Kentucky can still accomplish their beginning of season goals.

“Well, I’m not into tempering expectations I still have expectations for this team,” Calipari said. “But I appreciate you saying that.”

Then, the sarcastic side of Calipari came out, saying he appreciated the passion the single Kentucky fan had for the situation. He understands people are angry but possibly thought something like that during a radio interview was a little much.

“I know there are people that are angry, but for you to stick around and be like you are toward me after that, I appreciate it,” Calipari said. “I really do.”

Losing a game at home would be one thing but South Carolina is projected to be one of the worst teams in the SEC this season. They already have a losing record and struggled through nonconfernece play. Head coach Lamont Paris had to endure Tennessee getting a 43-point win over the weekend.

South Carolina was not exactly trending in a positive direction heading into Rupp Arena.

Fans are frustrated and letting their voices be known. Whether it’s coming during a radio interview or somebody flashing — and getting throw out— a “Please go to Texas” sign during the game, it’s obvious how Calipari is thought of in Lexington at the moment.

Even so, Calipari is going to keep high expectations for Kentucky. After losing to St. Peter’s in the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament, a good core of players returned. Reigning National Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe plus point guard Sahvir Wheeler were thought to be one of the top duos in the country.

Winning a national championship was the goal for the Wildcats this season. They may be 1-3 in the SEC for the first time since the late 1980s but John Calipari is still looking to stay the course in early January.